Although Charleston, SC, is in the spotlight now for its pivotal role in the start of the Civil War, its history stretches back far before the April 12, 1861, firing on Fort Sumter. From the early Charles Town settlement to the Civil War and beyond, use these tips and sources to shed light on your Charleston roots.

If you have immigrant ancestors, you are going to want to know how to get a hold of their naturalization records. Find out tricks to tracking them down and analyzing their records to build your genealogy research.